86 Troubleshooting Tools
• If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical
power, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
– Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on
page 123).
– Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" on page 129).
– Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "Cards"
on page 129).
• If the power light is steady amber, there may be a power problem or an
internal device malfunction.
– Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system
board (see "System Board Components" on page 110).
– Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely
connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" on
page 110).
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor
cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code,
identifies a problem. One possible beep code consists of repetitive three short
beeps. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a possible
motherboard failure.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1
Write down the beep code.
2
Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 90).
book.book Page 86 Monday, October 6, 2008 11:28 AM
